The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) recently released its first ever Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, with the objective of decreasing pedestrian injuries and fatalities on American roadways (U.S. Department of Transportation Announces First Ever Comprehensive ‘Pedestrian Safety Action Plan’). The plan, supervised by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Nicole R. Nason and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Deputy Administrator James Owens, is part of a succession of efforts by USDOT to enhance the safety of all road users, including pedestrians.
“This unprecedented comprehensive safety effort is focused solely on protecting pedestrians because crossing a street should not be lethal for thousands of adults and children every year,” United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said.
According to 2019 data compiled by NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, representing 17 percent of all traffic fatalities and 44 percent more than in 2010. “Reducing pedestrian fatalities is a team effort that requires collaboration between federal, state and local transportation leaders,” Administrator Nason said. “We need safer roads, and this plan provides a road map to get us there.”
Under Administrator Nason’s leadership, FHWA has prioritized pedestrian safety. In the last year Nason led national safety discussions with stakeholders and launched the Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP UP) campaign to encourage states to make their roads safer for all users.
“At some point in the day, we are all pedestrians – especially right now, when everyone wants to get outside for some fresh air,” Deputy Administrator Owens said. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring pedestrian safety and this Pedestrian Safety Action Plan will help communities, drivers, and pedestrians take steps to save lives.”
The new Pedestrian Safety Action Plan will attempt to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities through a combination of countermeasures, technology, and data-driven practices. The details of the plan can be reviewed at the USDOT’s Pedestrian Safety Summit website.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a traffic accident, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We will only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.
